Results

Ethnic differences were found in associations of BMI with SBP and DBP (SBP: p=0.001
and DBP: p=0.01) and FMI with SBP (p=0.03). BMI and FMI had a relatively large positive
association with SBP in Turkish children (BMI: β=2.46mmHg; 95%CI:1.20-3.72; FMI: β=2.41mmHg;
95%CI:1.09-3.73) compared to Dutch (BMI: β=1.31mmHg; 95%CI:0.71-1.92; FMI: β=0.84mmHg;
95%CI:0.23-1.45). Black-Caribbean and Moroccan children showed high blood pressure
with low BMI and FMI. Moroccan children showed higher SBP with high BMI and FMI. WHtR
was positively associated with SBP and DBP, similar in all ethnic groups. Generally,
strongest associations with blood pressure were found for BMI in all ethnic groups.

Conclusion

Ethnic-specific associations between BMI, and FMI and blood pressure are present at
young age, with Turkish children showing the highest increase in blood pressure with
increasing body size. The higher blood pressure in the Black-Caribbean and Moroccan
children with low BMI needs further research. WHtR or FMI do not seem to be associated
more strongly to blood pressure than BMI in any ethnic group.